How to Close Your Pool for the Season in Madisonville, TN: A Step-by-Step Guide
Essential Tips from Madisonville's Pool Experts to Protect Your Pool Through the Off-Season
As autumn arrives in East Tennessee, it’s time to prepare your pool for winter hibernation. Properly closing your pool protects your investment, ensures equipment longevity, and makes spring reopening smoother. At ORCA Pools & Outdoors, we bring 15+ years of local expertise in pool installation, repair, and maintenance to help you winterize your pool the right way. Here’s your step-by-step guide:
1. Quality Pool Products & Local Advice from Our Storefront
Visit our Madisonville pool supply store at 206 Mill Street, open Monday–Friday 10AM to 5 PM and Saturday 9 AM to 1 PM, for professional-grade chemicals, testing kits, liners, skimmers, filter sand (Mystic White II), AquaSalt, water test kits (like AquaChek), and more. Our team is happy to provide hands‑on support for winterizing products.
2. Test & Balance Your Water Chemistry
Before covering your pool, adjust pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels. Whether using chlorine or a saltwater system, balance is key - even in winter. You can bring a water sample for SpinTouch testing at our store for precise, professional results.
3. Shock & Clean Thoroughly
Shock treatment helps eliminate algae and organic contaminants that can bloom under a closed cover. Clean filters and, if needed, replace pool filter sand - that’s something we install and maintain expertly.
4. Lower Water Level Strategically
Bring the water level down to below the skimmer (for frost protection), but not all the way - especially in freeze-prone weather, as overly low water levels can damage the walls or liner.
5. Drain & Store Removable Equipment
Remove pumps, hoses, skimmers, vacuum attachments, and other accessories. Keep them in a safe, indoor place to prevent freeze damage and warping.
6. Winterize Your Equipment
Disconnect, drain, and store or insulate all pool equipment. This includes pumps, filters, and especially salt systems. Drain sand filters and leave the multiport valve set to “Winterize.” Our team can assist with winter-ready sand filter maintenance and other equipment needs.
7. Install a Custom-Fit Pool Safety Cover
A high-quality safety cover protects your pool from debris, reduces evaporation, and safeguards against unwanted entry. ORCA Pools & Outdoors installs custom-fit safety covers from Merlin Industries, designed for both above-ground and in-ground pools.
8. Safety Checks & Final Inspections
Ensure the cover is properly tensioned, anchored, and free of gaps or sagging spots. This protects the liner, equipment, and your family during winter’s freeze-thaw cycles.
Why Choose ORCA Pools & Outdoors for Your Pool Closing?
- Local Expertise: Based in Madisonville, TN, we understand East Tennessee’s unique climate and conditions.
- Complete In‑House Service: Our trained team handles every part of the closing process - no subcontractors involved.
- Premium Materials: We use trusted brands like Mystic White II, AquaSalt, AquaChek, and install top-tier safety covers from Merlin Industries.
- Convenient Support: Stop by our local store for expert advice, supplies, or to schedule full-service winterization - even if we didn’t install your pool.
- Seasonal & Permitting Guidance: Need help with off-season repairs or meeting local codes? We’ve got you covered.
Ready to Get Started?
Closing your pool with ORCA Pools & Outdoors ensures:
- A safer, cleaner, and low-effort winter pool.
- Protection for your pool liner and equipment.
- Peace of mind knowing your backyard oasis is in expert hands.
Call us today, or stop by our Madisonville storefront to pick up supplies, ask questions, or schedule your closing service.
